DBSTalk.com Exclusive First Look: Cisco/Linksys WET610N

**Stuart Sweet** · 10-05-09, 09:25 PM

DBSTalk.com is proud to present this first look at support for the WET610N Wireless Ethernet Bridge in DIRECTV receivers!

WET610N First Look (pdf)

Thanks to alebob911, Movieman, Drew2K, Greg Alsobrook, Huskie_2009 and the whole test team!

Please note that you may require the latest version of the free Adobe Reader, available at http://www.adobe.com, to view this document. Third-party readers, including Mac OS X Preview, may not display properly.

Please note that some DBSTalk.com testers and staff members may have received free equipment from DIRECTV or its partners for the purpose of evaluation and testing.

hdtvfan0001 · 10-23-09, 08:51 AM

Great job on the First Look, and also to the test team!

The WET610N is indeed a nice "N" class unit, and will only help those who are looking for solid wireless network connectivity.

dorfd1 · 10-23-09, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hdtvfan0001

Great job on the First Look, and also to the test team!

The WET610N is indeed a nice "N" class unit, and will only help those who are looking for solid wireless network connectivity.

I think my wrt320n in client bridge mode is better because 320n has a 5 port gigabit siwtch. the wet610n and the wga600n only have 1 100mb ethernet port which means it can't go as fast as 300mb or 600mb.

hdtvfan0001 · 10-23-09, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dorfd1

I think my wrt320n in client bridge mode is better because 320n has a 5 port gigabit siwtch. the wet610n and the wga600n only have 1 100mb ethernet port which means it can't go as fast as 300mb or 600mb.

Maybe, maybe not....the port difference alone wouldn't necessarily make anything "better".

Point 2 - the WET610N installed at this location is running at 300Mbps right now here.

Also...a cost comparison comes into play.

So I'm not sure I could agree with much of your statement.

dorfd1 · 10-23-09, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hdtvfan0001

Maybe, maybe not....the port difference alone wouldn't necessarily make anything "better".

Point 2 - the WET610N installed at this location is running at 300Mbps right now here.

Also...a cost comparison comes into play.

So I'm not sure I could agree with much of your statement.

because the wet610n can only do 100mb ethernet the max speed is really 100mbps. because my 320n has gigabit ethernet it can reach full n speeds.

**Stuart Sweet** · 10-23-09, 10:58 AM

I think the WET610N is a better fit for DIRECTV to add to their DVR. If you're using a 320N then you're probably more of an advanced user and don't need them to hold your hand through the configuration process.

hdtvfan0001 · 10-23-09, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dorfd1

because the wet610n can only do 100mb ethernet the max speed is really 100mbps. because my 320n has gigabit ethernet it can reach full n speeds.

Note that even with your 320n...you are still limited to the 100/10 Ethernet on the HD DVR port side...

But rest assured...I have 300Mbps running between the WEET610N and my router at this very moment - see attached photo.

I am running a "G" at 54Mbps and the WET at the same time, so you can see the differences in results in the picture itself.

**Doug Brott** · 10-23-09, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dorfd1

because the wet610n can only do 100mb ethernet the max speed is really 100mbps. because my 320n has gigabit ethernet it can reach full n speeds.

Couple of things .. The WET610N support is integrated into the receiver. You can set it up with your remote. Secondly, the HR2x only has a 100mbps port .. Gig Ethernet is not relevant.

dorfd1 · 10-23-09, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hdtvfan0001

Note that even with your 320n...you are still limited to the 100/10 Ethernet on the HD DVR port side...

But rest assured...I have 300Mbps running between the WEET610N and my router at this very moment - see attached photo.

I am running a "G" at 54Mbps and the WET at the same time, so you can see the differences in results in the picture itself.

the dvr will transfer at only 100mbps

Alebob911 · 10-23-09, 11:15 AM

I was just getting ready to say that but a little to slow on the typing!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doug Brott

Couple of things .. The WET610N support is integrated into the receiver. You can set it up with your remote. Secondly, the HR2x only has a 100mbps port .. Gig Ethernet is not relevant.

**Doug Brott** · 10-23-09, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dorfd1

the dvr will transfer at only 100mbps

Actually, I don't even think it uses that much to stream video .. As for the WET610N, you can rest assured that DIRECTV did due diligence in choosing this adapter. The WET610N is a very good device and is the right one for the task.

hdtvfan0001 · 10-23-09, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doug Brott

Actually, I don't even think it uses that much to stream video .. As for the WET610N, you can rest assured that DIRECTV did due diligence in choosing this adapter. The WET610N is a very good device and is the right one for the task.

Agreed...reliability, steady streaming, and compatibility are 3 key benefits.

Groundhog45 · 10-23-09, 12:14 PM

This is a good review of the WET610N. The install using your HR2x is pretty simple. Note that Linksys has a firmware update out that folks may want to install.

dorfd1 · 10-23-09, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Groundhog45

This is a good review of the WET610N. The install using your HR2x is pretty simple. Note that Linksys has a firmware update out that folks may want to install.

if you plugged the wet610n into a gigabit switch to connect other devices to the network the other devices even ones that support gigabit ethernet would still be limited to 100mbps wireless transfer rate.

**Doug Brott** · 10-23-09, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dorfd1

if you plugged the wet610n into a gigabit switch to connect other devices to the network the other devices even ones that support gigabit ethernet would still be limited to 100mbps wireless transfer rate.

And the HR2x uses what? maybe 20mbps? Does it matter?

MicroBeta · 10-23-09, 01:07 PM

As always, very nice First Looks.

I like that there's no CDs/software to install. Plug it into the receiver and it's supported. Just set it up with the remote and you're on your way. Very Cool.

Mike

argonaut · 10-23-09, 01:24 PM

Thanks for the review.

I have been using the Linksys WGA600N for about a year with no issues. It is directly connected to an HR21-700. Is anyone able to compare the WET610N with the WGA600N?

Additionally, one thing I am interested in is placing a small switch between the WET610N and my networked AV equipment to eliminate a few cables. They are all UTP CAT6 connections except for the HR21 (on the WGA600N). Since the WET610N is a true bridge unlike the WGA600N there is no reason it should care about multiple MAC addresses passing through it, as it really does not have to do anything smart. In the switch I would connect my Blu-ray player, my Network Video player, and my HTPC. The cables are all run through the sub-floor but less cables would make the SO happy. Obviously using more than one of those at a time for streaming video might impact performance. Anyone tried this yet?

P.S. I know the wired connections will be faster, more reliable, etc.

**Doug Brott** · 10-23-09, 01:26 PM

If the WGA600N is working well for you already, there may not be a reason to swap it out. However, the WET610N will give a longer range and overall better performance. The thing is though if performance needs are already met, do you want to spend the money again?

If you don't have an adapter yet, then definitely take the WET610N over the WGA600N.

dorfd1 · 10-23-09, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doug Brott

And the HR2x uses what? maybe 20mbps? Does it matter?

yes if you had a computer hooked up to the same tv as the hd dvr is hooked up to and that computer supported gigabit ethernet.

Quote:

Originally Posted by argonaut

Thanks for the review.

I have been using the Linksys WGA600N for about a year with no issues. It is directly connected to an HR21-700. Is anyone able to compare the WET610N with the WGA600N?

Additionally, one thing I am interested in is placing a small switch between the WET610N and my networked AV equipment to eliminate a few cables. They are all UTP CAT6 connections except for the HR21 (on the WGA600N). Since the WET610N is a true bridge unlike the WGA600N there is no reason it should care about multiple MAC addresses passing through it, as it really does not have to do anything smart. In the switch I would connect my Blu-ray player, my Network Video player, and my HTPC. The cables are all run through the sub-floor but less cables would make the SO happy. Obviously using more than one of those at a time for streaming video might impact performance. Anyone tried this yet?

P.S. I know the wired connections will be faster, more reliable, etc.

any adapter that allows you to connect a device with an ethernet port on it is a bridge.

**Doug Brott** · 10-23-09, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dorfd1

yes if you had a computer hooked up to the same tv as the hd dvr is hooked up to and that computer supported gigabit ethernet.

You have different needs than what this device is designed for .. Apples and Oranges here.

If all you need is wireless connectivity to your HR2x, the WET610N is the right way to go. That being said, it's not the only way. If you already have hardware that works and you don't want to spend more money then yeah, use what you have. Nothing wrong with that.

dorfd1 · 10-23-09, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doug Brott

You have different needs than what this device is designed for .. Apples and Oranges here.

If all you need is wireless connectivity to your HR2x, the WET610N is the right way to go. That being said, it's not the only way. If you already have hardware that works and you don't want to spend more money then yeah, use what you have. Nothing wrong with that.

I am just saying that any device connected to the wga600n or wet610n will never get full wireless n speeds.

dorfd1 · 10-23-09, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hdtvfan0001

I would disagree with that blanket statement, in that it actually depends on what the WET610N is connected to, as well as the router capabilities to the network. The WET610N has the capacity to handle 300Mbps throughput - see the First Look itself.

So never is incorrect.

the 100baseT port limits the device connected to it to 100mbps.

windows would not say your are connected at 300 mbps it will say you are connected at 100 mbps.

**Stuart Sweet** · 10-23-09, 02:08 PM

Perhaps the discussion about dorfd1's choice of wireless hardware vs. HDTVFan0001's speed can go to private message?

smiddy · 10-23-09, 03:07 PM

Holy Sweetness Salamander! That is one fine first look Drew. I think you nailed it, this is one excellent combination for DirecTV!

Movieman · 10-23-09, 04:46 PM

Very fine job indeed! I know that it has freed up outlets that I needed and its extremely reliable and fast. Works great with TvApps, MediaShare, and DOD. Great job to the everyone that was involved in testing!